A fully coupled two-dimensional flow—vegetation routing model in open channel flow

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - Aquatic vegetation modifies the in-stream roughness and hence influences the magnitude and distribution of flow parameters in the main channel and the flood plain....     

Experimental surface flow visualization and numerical investigation of flow structure around an oblong stockpile

Emission factors are largely used to quantify particle emissions from industrial open storage piles. These factors are based on the knowledge of velocity distribution and flow patterns over the stockpile surface which still requires further research. The aim of the present work is to investigate the airflow characteristics over a single typical oblong pile and in its near-ground surroundings for various wind flow directions. Wind tunnel experiments using an oil-film surface coating technique were carried out for near-wall flow visualization. Numerical simulation results, favorably compared to PIV measurements, were used to allow comparison analysis of flow features. For the stockpile oriented 90° to the wind main direction, typical topology of flow around wall-mounted obstacles were observed, notably a wake zone downstream the pile including two main counter-rotating vortices. Further analysis of numerical wall shear stress distribution and streamlines indicates that two complex three-dimensional vortical flow structures develop downstream the pile. For other incoming wind flow directions (30 and 60°), the flow characteristics over the storage pile greatly differ as a single helical main vortex develops from the pile’s crest. Corresponding high values of wall shear stress are noticed downstream the storage pile. For each configuration studied, downwash and upwash zones are induced by the vortical structures developed. This near-wall flow topology combined with areas of high friction levels may be linked to potential dust emission from the ground surface surrounding industrial stockpiles.     

LES validation of urban flow,part I: flow statistics and frequency distributions

Essential prerequisites for a thorough model evaluation are the availability of problem-specific, quality-controlled reference data and the use of model-specific comparison methods. The work presented here is motivated by the striking lack of proportion between the increasing use of large-eddy simulation (LES) as a standard technique in micro-meteorology and wind engineering and the level of scrutiny that is commonly applied to assess the quality of results obtained. We propose and apply an in-depth, multi-level validation concept that is specifically targeted at the time-dependency of mechanically induced shear-layer turbulence. Near-surface isothermal turbulent flow in a densely built-up city serves as the test scenario for the approach. High-resolution LES data are evaluated based on a comprehensive database of boundary-layer wind-tunnel measurements. From an exploratory data analysis of mean flow and turbulence statistics, a high level of agreement between simulation and experiment is apparent. Inspecting frequency distributions of the underlying instantaneous data proves to be necessary for a more rigorous assessment of the overall prediction quality. From velocity histograms local accuracy limitations due to a comparatively coarse building representation as well as particular strengths of the model to capture complex urban flow features with sufficient accuracy are readily determined. However, the analysis shows that further crucial information about the physical validity of the LES needs to be obtained through the comparison of eddy statistics, which is focused on in part II. Compared with methods that rely on single figures of merit, the multi-level validation strategy presented here supports conclusions about the simulation quality and the model’s fitness for its intended range of application through a deeper understanding of the unsteady structure of the flow.     

LES validation of urban flow,part II: eddy statistics and flow structures

Time-dependent three-dimensional numerical simulations such as large-eddy simulation (LES) play an important role in fundamental research and practical applications in meteorology and wind engineering. Whether these simulations provide a sufficiently accurate picture of the time-dependent structure of the flow, however, is often not determined in enough detail. We propose an application-specific validation procedure for LES that focuses on the time dependent nature of mechanically induced shear-layer turbulence to derive information about strengths and limitations of the model. The validation procedure is tested for LES of turbulent flow in a complex city, for which reference data from wind-tunnel experiments are available. An initial comparison of mean flow statistics and frequency distributions was presented in part I. Part II focuses on comparing eddy statistics and flow structures. Analyses of integral time scales and auto-spectral energy densities show that the tested LES reproduces the temporal characteristics of energy-dominant and flux-carrying eddies accurately. Quadrant analysis of the vertical turbulent momentum flux reveals strong similarities between instantaneous ejection-sweep patterns in the LES and the laboratory flow, also showing comparable occurrence statistics of rare but strong flux events. A further comparison of wavelet-coefficient frequency distributions and associated high-order statistics reveals a strong agreement of location-dependent intermittency patterns induced by resolved eddies in the energy-production range. The validation concept enables wide-ranging conclusions to be drawn about the skill of turbulence-resolving simulations than the traditional approach of comparing only mean flow and turbulence statistics. Based on the accuracy levels determined, it can be stated that the tested LES is sufficiently accurate for its purpose of generating realistic urban wind fields that can be used to drive simpler dispersion models.     

Barnacle suspension-feeding in variable flow

Suspension-feeding behavior of the adult barnacleSemibalanus balanoides (L.), collected at Woods Hole, USA, in 1987 and 1988, was studied in variable conditions of unidirectional and oscillating water flow. Barnacles growing on rocks were placed in a laboratory flume and exposed to precise patterns of water flow created with a specially designed electronic-circuit controlling a motor-driven propeller submersed in the flume. Laser darkfield and brightfield illumination were used to video-record the movement of suspended particles and dye in the flume and barnacle activity. When water was accelerated unidirectionally past feeding barnacles, they consistently changed feeding behavior from actively sweeping their thoracic appendages (cirri) through the water in slow-flow to passively holding cirri into the current in faster flow. The mean water velocity at which this behavioral switch occurred was 3.10 cm s^–1. In slow-flow, each active sweep of the cirri created a feeding vortex that caused suspended particles to swirl into the capture zone of the following sweep. Barnacles in simulated wave-action conditions (oscillatory flow) fed passively, and orientated extended cirri to flow direction. Cirri were rapidly reoriented with the same frequency at which flow direction reversed. Slow-motion analysis of one barnacle feeding in oscillating flow (0.65 Hz) indicated that reversal of the orientation of the cirri began 0.19 s before the water itself started to reverse direction. In additional experiments, barnacles were exposed to a repetitive pattern of accelerating-decelerating flow. During each flow cycle, barnacles switched from active to passive feeding as water accelerated. Repeated exposure of an individual to the same flow-cycle caused a consistent decrease in the water-velocity threshold at which the behavioral switch occurred.     

Targeted gene flow for conservation

Anthropogenic threats often impose strong selection on affected populations, causing rapid evolutionary responses. Unfortunately, these adaptive responses are rarely harnessed for conservation. We suggest that conservation managers pay close attention to adaptive processes and geographic variation, with an eye to using them for conservation goals. Translocating pre‐adapted individuals into recipient populations is currently considered a potentially important management tool in the face of climate change. Targeted gene flow, which involves moving individuals with favorable traits to areas where these traits would have a conservation benefit, could have a much broader application in conservation. Across a species’ range there may be long‐standing geographic variation in traits or variation may have rapidly developed in response to a threatening process. Targeted gene flow could be used to promote natural resistance to threats to increase species resilience. We suggest that targeted gene flow is a currently underappreciated strategy in conservation that has applications ranging from the management of invasive species and their impacts to controlling the impact and virulence of pathogens.     

Characteristics of flow structure of free-surface flow in a partly obstructed open channel with vegetation patch

Free-surface flows over patchy vegetation are common in aquatic environments. In this study, the hydrodynamics of free-surface flow in a rectangular channel with a bed of rigid vegetation-like cylinders occupying half of the channel bed was investigated and interpreted by means of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. The channel configurations have low width-to-depth aspect ratio (1.235 and 2.153). Experimental results show that the adjustment length for the flow to be fully developed through the vegetation patch in the present study is shorter than observed for large-aspect-ratio channels in other studies. Outside the lateral edge of the vegetation patch, negative velocity gradient (\(\partial \overline{u}/\partial z < 0\)) and a local velocity maximum are observed in the vertical profile of the longitudinal velocity in the near-bed region, corresponding to the negative Reynolds stress (\(- \overline{{u^{\prime}w^{\prime}}} < 0\)) at the same location. Assuming coherent vortices to be the dominant factor influencing the mean flow field, an improved Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model is developed. The model improvement is based on an enhanced turbulence length scale accounting for coherent vortices due to the effect of the porous vegetation canopy and channel bed. This particular flow characteristic is more profound in the case of high vegetation density due to the stronger momentum exchange of horizontal coherent vortices. Numerical simulations confirmed the local maximum velocity and negative gradient in the velocity profile due to the presence of vegetation and bed friction. This in turn supports the physical interpretation of the flow processes in the partly obstructed channel with vegetation patch. In addition, the vertical profile of the longitudinal velocity can also be explained by the vertical behavior of the horizontal coherent vortices based on a theoretical argument.     

Curvature-induced secondary flow in submarine channels

The curvature-driven secondary flow in sinuous submarine channels has been a subject of considerable interest and controversy. Here, results from numerical model studies involving saline flow in laboratory-scale channels are presented. A 3D finite volume model of density and turbidity currents is used and simulations are run with different inflow discharges and channel-axis slopes. The simulation results show strong influence of bend wave length, channel gradient, confinement and cross sectional shape on the structure of secondary flow in submarine channels. Major findings are: (i) reversal of secondary flow in submarine channels is strongly associated with a tight bend characterized by a smaller wave length to width ratio or larger wave number, (ii) for the same inflow condition and planform characteristics, a trapezoidal channel cross section is more favorable to secondary flow reversal than a rectangular cross section, (iii) lateral convection resulting from the interaction between in-channel and overbank flows leads to the reversal of secondary flow in an unconfined channel at a lower channel slope than in a confined channel with the same dimensions, (iv) flow discharge has only nominal effect on the secondary flow in submarine channels.     

Clustering of aerosols in atmospheric turbulent flow

A mechanism of formation of small-scale inhomogeneities in spatial distributions of aerosols and droplets associated with clustering instability in the atmospheric turbulent flow is discussed. The particle clustering is a consequence of a spontaneous breakdown of their homogeneous space distribution due to the clustering instability, and is caused by a combined effect of the particle inertia and a finite correlation time of the turbulent velocity field. In this paper a theoretical approach proposed in Elperin et al. (2002) Phys Rev E 66:036302 is further developed and applied to investigate the mechanisms of formation of small-scale aerosol inhomogeneities in the atmospheric turbulent flow. The theory of the particle clustering instability is extended to the case when the particle Stokes time is larger than the Kolmogorov time scale, but is much smaller than the correlation time at the integral scale of turbulence. We determined the criterion of the clustering instability for the Stokes number larger than 1. We discussed applications of the analyzed effects to the dynamics of aerosols and droplets in the atmospheric turbulent flow.     

Stratified flow interactions with a suspended canopy

Field observations of the interactions between a stratified flow and a canopy suspended from the free surface above a solid boundary are described and analysed. Data were recorded in and around the canopy formed by a large long-line mussel farm. The canopy causes a partial blockage of the water flow, reducing velocities in the upper water column. Deceleration of the approaching flow results in a deepening of isopycnals upstream of the canopy. Energy considerations show that the potential for an approaching stratified flow to be diverted beneath a porous canopy is indicated by a densimetric Froude number. Strong stratification or low-velocities inhibit vertical diversion beneath the canopy, instead favouring a horizontal diversion around the sides. The effect on vertical mixing is also considered with a shear layer generated beneath the canopy and turbulence generated from drag within the canopy. In the observations, stratification is shown to be of sufficient strength to limit the effectiveness of the first mixing process, while the turbulence within the canopy is likely to enhance vertical exchange. Velocity and temperature microstructure measurements are used to investigate the effect of the canopy on turbulent dissipation and show that dissipation is enhanced within the canopy.     

Alternating skimming flow over a stepped spillway

The study of stepped spillways in laboratory scales has been essentially focused on two separated sub-regimes within skimming flow. In this paper we investigate the appearance of an unclassified alternating skimming flow regime in a 0.5 m wide stepped spillway which does not fit on these earlier definitions, and which does not occur in a 0.3 m wide spillway. Our aim is to explain the genesis of this unclassified flow which is visualised in the physical stepped spillway, by using 3D numerical modelling. Flow depths and velocities are measured using an ultrasonic sensor and Bubble Image Velocimetry in the wider flume (0.5 m). The numerical model is validated with the experimental data from the 0.5 m wide spillway. After validation, the channel width of the same numerical model is reduced to 0.3 m wide spillway in order to characterise (compare) the case without (with) alternating skimming flow. Both cases are solved using Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations together with the Volume-of-Fluid technique and SST k-\(\omega\) turbulence model. The experimental results reveal that the alternating skimming flow regime is characterised by an evident seesaw pattern of flow properties over consecutive steps. In turn, the numerical modelling clarified that this seesaw pattern is due to the presence of a complex system of cross waves along the spillway. These cross waves are also responsible for a mass and momentum exchange in the transversal direction and for the formation of the alternating skimming flow in the spillway.     

A Markovian model for ecosystem flow analysis

Nutrient flow through ecosystems is modeled as a discrete Markov chain whose transition probabilities are stationary or time inhomogenous according to whether a steady state or dynamic ecosystem is modeled, respectively. Expected residence time and number of intercompartmental transfers for a nutrient within a set of compartments are derived. Variances of these random variables are also considered. A measure for ecosystem resource recycling is given as a weighted sum of probabilities.     

Iron-based flow batteries to store renewable energies

The development of cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives of energy storage systems is needed to solve the actual energy crisis. Although technologies such as flywheels, supercapacitors, pumped hydropower and compressed air are efficient, they have shortcomings because they require long planning horizons to be cost-effective. Renewable energy storage systems such as redox flow batteries are actually of high interest for grid-level energy storage, in particular iron-based flow batteries. Here we review all-iron redox flow battery alternatives for storing renewable energies. The role of components such as electrolyte, electrode and membranes in the overall functioning of all-iron redox flow batteries is discussed. The effect of iron–ligand chemistry on the performance of battery is highlighted. Additionally, a brief contextual background and fundamentals of redox flow batteries are provided. The design aspects, progress in research, mathematical modeling, cost estimations and future prospects of using all-iron energy systems are discussed in the context of future grid-level energy storage.     

Double-average mean flow and local turbulence intensity profiles from PIV measurements for an open channel flow with rigid vegetation

This contribution presents particle image velocimetry measurements for an open channel stationary uniform and fully developed flow of water over a horizontal flat bed of uniform glass beads in presence of a staggered array of vertical cylindrical stems. The main objective was to explore and quantify the influence of the stems-to-flow relative submergence, h _v /h, over the mean flow and local turbulence intensities. A comparison with measurements for the non-vegetated flow over the same granular bed is presented. Results indicate a remarkable influence of h _v /h over the whole flow field. The time-average mean flow presents a strong spatial variation in the layer of the flow occupied by the stems. The local velocity fluctuations are strongly affected by the presence of the stems, with regions in between the stems where they reach peaks that are several times larger than those encountered in the flow in absence of vegetation. The turbulence intensity profiles are noticeably different when compared to those measured in the non-vegetated flow conditions. From previous works it was possible to derive an equation for the mean velocity, U _v , of the flow through the vegetated layer of height h _v . The prediction of this equation is in good agreement with the uniform value for the double-average longitudinal velocity profile in this layer. A final brief discussion about the possible impact of these vegetated-flow features on the sediment transport is presented.     

Turbulent flow around an inline array of blocks

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - Large-eddy simulation is implemented to investigate the behavior of a low-frequency turbulent flow around an inline array of blocks. Three different types of blocks...     

A retrospective Markovian model for ecosystem resource flow

Historic ecosystem resource flow is modeled as a retrospective discrete Markov chain to obtain the expected values and variances of compartmental residence times and numbers of intercompartmental transfers that compartmental standing crops have experienced since their latest entry into the ecosystem. The transition probabilities of the proposed retrospective Markovian model are either stationary or time inhomogeneous according to whether a steady state or non-steady state ecosystem, respectively, is analyzed.     

Near-critical free-surface flows: real fluid flow analysis

An open channel flow with a flow depth close to the critical depth is characterised by a curvilinear streamline flow field that results in steady free surface undulations. Near critical flows of practical relevance encompass the undular hydraulic jump when the flow changes from supercritical (F > 1) to subcritical (F < 1), and the undular weir flow over broad-crested weirs where the flow changes from subcritical (F < 1) to supercritical (F > 1). So far these flows were mainly studied based on ideal fluid flow computations, for which the flow is assumed irrotational and, thus, shear forces are absent. While the approach is accurate for critical flow conditions (F = 1) in weir and flumes, near-critical flows involve long distances reaches, and the effect of friction on the flow properties cannot be neglected. In the present study the characteristics of near-critical free-surface flows are reanalysed based on a model accounting for both the streamline curvature and friction effects. Based on the improved model, some better agreement with experimental results is found, thereby highlighting the main frictional features of the flow profiles.     

Stream ecosystem functioning under reduced flow conditions.

Assessments of flow reduction in streams often focus on changes to biological communities and in-stream physical characteristics, with little consideration for changes in ecosystem functioning. It is unclear whether functional indicators of ecosystem condition may be useful for assessing the impacts of reduced discharge on small streams. Using weirs and diversions to reduce stream discharge during summer baseflow conditions, we tested the response of leaf breakdown, coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) retention, and primary production to one month of water abstraction in before-after, control-impact (BACI) designed experiments. Discharge at impact (downstream) reaches decreased by over 85% in each of three small New Zealand streams compared to controls (upstream). There also were decreases in velocity, depth, and wetted width. Sediment cover increased at impact reaches, but there were only small changes to conductivity, pH, and surface water temperature. We installed mesh bags filled with willow leaves in-stream for one month to measure leaf breakdown. Reduced discharge had little influence on leaf breakdown rate in these streams. Travel distances and retention structures for CPOM were evaluated using releases of paper strips and wooden dowelling over a range of discharges. The distance traveled by released CPOM increased with increasing discharge, and the importance of riffles as retention structures increased at lower discharges. We measured the accumulation of chlorophyll a after one month on artificial substrates as an estimate of the relative primary production of control and impact reaches. The differences in chlorophyll a concentrations between control and impact reaches were inconsistent among streams. These ecosystem functions have responded inconsistently to water removal in these streams. However, the strong response of CPOM retention to reduced discharge could complement measures of biological community structure when the influence of reduced discharge is assessed. We recommend further investigation in a wide range of streams to assess the utility of these processes as functional indicators of reduced discharge.